Watch | Amtrak Northeast Regional in Coach

When it comes to seats, modhop.com is all about upgrades to more-legroom in economy, business class or first class. So when we can’t score the upgrade we break out the coach cam and put the review on our YouTube channel. Watch our review of this slightly quieter than normal coach seat aboard an Amtrack Northeast Regional train between NYC and DC…

From our YouTube Channel:

Seats aboard this Amtrak NE regional train are admittedly pretty comfortable. We might even prefer these to the business class seats (not first class) aboard the slightly faster Acela Express. Legroom and seat width are very reasonable when compared to most domestic first class aboard US carriers and grandiose when compared to European business class. Legroom and width don’t make the train “classier” but it allows you to plug in your laptop without elbowing your neighbor in the ribs.

That’s right. You can plug in your laptop.

As shown in the video you can plug in your laptop, tablet or anything with a standard plug and surf away thanks to Amtrak’s complimentary wi-fi. The plug is along the window so it might be a bit awkward for an aisle seat passenger with a short cord.

Yep. Complimentary wi-fi.

While it’s not the fastest, the internet comes at speeds that allow for maybe some audio streaming but not great for video or downloading big files. But for the price ($0), it’s just about right.

Beer wine and spirits are yours for a price and a shaky walk back to the cafe car. There you’ll also find snack items, sandwiches (if you want to call them that), and other “food” items. As I note in the video, we don’t recommend much other than light snacks and drinks. If you’re departing or arriving at Union Station in Washington, DC there are good options for food during normal business hours. Penn Station in NYC…not so much.

When considering a trip between Boston, New York, Philly, Baltimore, DC and other spots in the Northeast, Amtrak Northeast Regional service is at least worth a look. It might take a little longer to get to where you’re going, but you trade in frustrating security checks, bag restrictions and a lot of those little fees the airlines like to call “ancillary revenue”.

Northeast Regional service will save you a handful of dollars compared to the slightly faster Acela Express. You can see our full review of Acela Express First Class at modhop.